Our Top Most Photographed Wedding Venues in the Triangle

As wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories at some of the most beautiful venues in the Triangle area of North Carolina. From modern art museums to rustic farms, each venue offers its own unique charm and incredible photo opportunities. While it’s hard to pick favorites, these are the top 10 venues we’ve photographed the most—and they’re listed in no particular order!

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) | Raleigh, NC

NCMA is a standout venue for couples who love modern design and artistic flair. The museum’s sleek architecture and outdoor sculpture park offer endless opportunities for creative and unique photography. From the reflecting pools to the dramatic, light-filled interiors, every corner of NCMA is a masterpiece waiting to be captured.

The Carolina Inn | Chapel Hill, NC

Timeless, elegant, and quintessentially Southern, The Carolina Inn is a photographer’s dream. Its charming courtyards, stately ballrooms, and historic architecture provide stunning backdrops for both intimate and grand celebrations. Whether it’s the soft glow of natural light in the garden or the grandeur of the Old Well Ballroom, every shot feels like a classic.

Bay 7 | Durham, NC

Bay 7 is an iconic venue located in Durham’s historic American Tobacco Campus. With its industrial aesthetic, exposed brick walls, steel beams, and open layout, this venue is a favorite for urban and modern weddings. The nearby water features, rustic bridges, and charming outdoor spaces offer incredible variety for portraits, ensuring your wedding gallery feels dynamic and full of life.

The Umstead Hotel & Spa | Cary, NC

The Umstead is the epitome of luxury and elegance. With its serene lake, meticulously landscaped gardens, and sophisticated interiors, it offers an upscale setting for both ceremonies and receptions. The venue’s modern design paired with its peaceful natural surroundings creates a harmonious balance that photographs beautifully.

The Maxwell | Raleigh, NC

The Maxwell is one of Raleigh’s most versatile venues, offering a stunning backdrop for any wedding style. Its neutral palette, soaring ceilings, and elegant chandeliers provide a timeless aesthetic that’s easy to personalize. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces ensures there’s no shortage of gorgeous photo opportunities, from the lush greenery outside to the grand interiors.

21c Museum Hotel | Durham, NC

This boutique hotel and contemporary art museum is perfect for couples who want something bold and unique. The vibrant art installations, modern design, and stylish interiors create a chic, creative atmosphere that stands out in photos. 21c Museum Hotel is ideal for couples looking to break away from tradition while still keeping things elegant.

Market Hall | Raleigh, NC

Nestled in the heart of Raleigh’s historic City Market District, Market Hall offers a blend of charm and versatility. The exposed brick walls and open floor plan make it easy to customize, while the surrounding cityscape provides vibrant backdrops for portraits. It’s a perfect spot for couples who love a mix of historic charm and modern convenience.

Lavender Oaks Farm | Chapel Hill, NC

Lavender Oaks Farm is pure magic. With its rolling fields of lavender, rustic barn, and peaceful countryside setting, it’s one of the most romantic venues we’ve photographed. The lavender fields provide a dreamy, colorful backdrop for portraits, while the barn offers cozy, intimate vibes for reception photos.

Carolina Country Club | Raleigh, NC

Carolina Country Club is the definition of classic elegance. Its lush golf course, sophisticated interiors, and impeccable landscaping provide endless photo opportunities. Whether it’s formal portraits on the pristine grounds or candid moments under the glow of chandeliers, every photo here feels timeless and refined.

Why We Love Photographing These Venues

Each of these venues holds a special place in our hearts. From their stunning backdrops to the unique experiences they offer, they make our job as photographers so rewarding. No matter which venue you choose, your love story will shine beautifully in every frame.

If you’re planning a wedding at one of these incredible venues—or anywhere else in the Triangle—we’d love to be a part of your big day. Let’s create timeless, artful photos that you’ll treasure forever.

Durham Food Photographer

Photographed by Nikki

Nestled in the heart of downtown Durham, M Sushi offers an intimate and upscale dining experience that’s as visually captivating as the dishes it serves. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a dimly lit, romantic atmosphere, with soft lighting and rustic textures that create the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.

For this food photography session, the low-light ambiance of M Sushi presented both a challenge and an opportunity. The warm, intimate glow of the restaurant creates an inviting mood, but photographing in such a setting requires a nuanced understanding of lighting. To do justice to the vibrant and delicate dishes, I worked to balance the restaurant's natural ambiance with carefully controlled light sources, ensuring that every plate was beautifully illuminated without compromising the mood.

The dishes at M Sushi are a testament to the artistry and precision of their chefs. From the intricate layers of sushi rolls to the delicate plating of nigiri, every dish tells a story of craftsmanship and flavor. Each photo captures the harmony of textures, colors, and freshness—the creamy uni adorned with caviar, the bright garnishes atop the rolls, and the elegant presentation of dumplings in a delicate sauce.

Photography in such a dimly lit environment requires attention to detail and the ability to adapt. Using diffused lighting techniques, I was able to highlight the natural textures of the ingredients while maintaining the soft, romantic feel of the restaurant. The results showcase the vibrant reds, golds, and greens of the sushi against the warm tones of the wood-grain tables, making each image as appetizing as the dishes themselves.

As a food photographer in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill, I love the challenge of capturing the soul of a restaurant through my lens. M Sushi’s moody atmosphere, combined with its stunning cuisine, made this session especially rewarding. Whether you’re dining out or running a restaurant, exceptional food photography allows these moments of culinary artistry to shine and invites viewers into the experience.

If you’re a chef, restaurant owner, or foodie in the Triangle area, I’d love to help you tell your story through food photography. Together, we can create images that highlight the beauty, flavor, and personality of your dishes.

Durham, NC Wedding at Duke Chapel and The Rickhouse

If you’re considering Duke Chapel or The Rickhouse for your wedding, this post is a must-see. Kathleen and Dan’s celebration shows just how magical these iconic Durham locations can be. From the grand beauty of Duke Chapel for the ceremony to the cozy, industrial charm of The Rickhouse for the reception, you’ll see how these spaces come alive on a wedding day. This wedding was photographed by Courtney Collins.

Kathleen & Dan’s Timeless Durham Wedding at Duke Chapel and The Rickhouse

From their first look at The Durham Hotel to the grand celebration at The Rickhouse, Kathleen and Dan’s wedding day was packed with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Their journey began in the heart of Durham, where they first met, and it was so special to see them return to that place to celebrate the start of their marriage.

A Sweet First Look at The Durham Hotel

Kathleen and Dan chose The Durham Hotel for their first look—a spot that holds so many memories for them as it’s where their story first began. There’s something magical about seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day, and Courtney Collins captured every emotion of that sweet, quiet moment. The rooftop scene, with Durham spread out below, was the perfect backdrop as they held each other and took in the significance of the day ahead.

Wedding Party Fun at Duke Gardens

Before heading to the chapel, Kathleen and Dan spent time with their wedding party at Duke Gardens. The gardens provided a stunning natural setting that brought out the jewel tones of the bridesmaids' dresses—rich greens and blues that looked amazing in the winter light. Kathleen’s gown, with its lace detailing and classic elegance, was perfectly complemented by her lush bouquet from Tre Bella Inc., while Dan and his groomsmen looked timeless in their navy suits. These photos captured the joyful energy of the day, with smiles and laughter all around.

A Grand Ceremony at Duke Chapel

The wedding ceremony took place at the iconic Duke Chapel, where the architecture and stained glass added a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere. As Kathleen walked down the aisle, there was hardly a dry eye in the chapel. The love and anticipation in the room were palpable as she and Dan exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. It was a moment of pure joy and reverence, made even more beautiful by the timeless setting.

A Reception to Remember at The Rickhouse

After the ceremony, everyone gathered at The Rickhouse for a reception that was equal parts elegant and lively. The industrial-chic space, with its exposed brick and high ceilings, was transformed into a cozy, intimate setting with the help of Get Lit Event Lighting NC. The tables were adorned with candlelight and greenery, creating a warm glow that made everything feel personal and inviting. Mediterranean Deli served up a fantastic dinner, and the atmosphere was one of pure celebration.

Kathleen and Dan’s first dance, with string lights twinkling above, was one of the highlights of the evening. There’s something so enchanting about that moment when two people come together on the dance floor, lost in each other’s eyes, while their friends and family cheer them on. And the fun didn’t stop there—DJ Choice kept the dance floor packed all night!

Heartfelt Touches and Special Details

Kathleen and Dan's wedding was full of thoughtful details that reflected their personalities. From the cozy, custom koozies that guests enjoyed to the heartfelt speeches that left everyone both laughing and wiping away tears, every part of the day was infused with warmth and meaning. Even the cake cutting was a sweet and playful moment that had everyone smiling.

A big shoutout to A Swanky Affair for coordinating every detail and making sure the day flowed seamlessly. And, of course, the incredible team of vendors, including rentals by American Party Rentals, who helped bring Kathleen and Dan’s vision to life.

Being part of this day was a true joy, and we’re so honored to have captured these moments for them. Congratulations, Kathleen and Dan! Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and love.